The Three P’s of Workplace Recycling assists organizations in getting started: 
People: People are the number one component of the success of your business. Recycling efforts are no different. Get your team on board by letting them know that waste reduction is a priority. They need to be involved, willing and able to participate. You can help make recycling more efficient through the other two P’s, but without your people doing their part, your efforts will fall flat.
Process: You need to put a process in place to collect and dispose of recyclables and compostables. Who’s going to be in charge of emptying the containers and taking items off-site? Where will the items ultimately end up? Will there be some kind of monitoring and accountability system? How will you recognize and reward participation and efforts that go beyond what is required? These are some of the questions you have to consider to make sure that recycling and composting enhances your business operations.
Place: The saying “A place for everything and everything in its place” is true for recycling as well. You’ll need clearly-labeled containers for different types of recyclables and compostables that your business generates. Here are some suggestions for what items may be recycled from different areas of your workplace:
Cafeteria, Kitchen or Lunch room. (Most of these type of materials are usually collectable from most community based recycling programs)
- Metal – aluminum foil, beverage cans
- Cartons – milk and juice tetra-pak containers
- Glass bottles
- Plastics – #1-7, plastic bags, shrink wrap
- Paper bags
Office Equipment and Electronics (These type of items need to be recycled through certified e-waste recyclers)
- Fax machines
- Computer mice, monitors, keyboards; Laptops
- Copiers and printers; toner cartridges
- CDs, DVDs
- Phones
Paper (Most of these materials can either be recycled or composted. Check your local recyclers guidelines)
- Books, phonebooks, catalogs
- Magazines
- Mail, Manila envelopes
- Cardboard
- Packing boxes
- Office paper, shredded documents
Miscellaneous (These materials are considered hard-to-recycle items and usually are not picked up recycling programs. Go to Earth911 or National Recycling Resources to find ways to recycle these type of items)
- Packing peanuts
- Styrofoam packaging
- Light bulbs
- Batteries
Contact us to learn more about how you can apply the Three P’s of Recycling in your workplace